Kelp in crisis: Scientists fight urchins to save underwater forests

Scientists are ramping up efforts to save kelp forests from ocean warming. Their strategy targets two main threats: hungry sea urchins and fragile kelp varieties. Kelp forests, which provide vital habitat for marine life, are struggling as ocean temperatures rise. Heat stress weakens the kelp, making it vulnerable to predators. The main problem is sea urchins, which devour the kelp before it can recover. To solve this, researchers are attacking the urchins directly. By removing large numbers of them, they hope to give the kelp a chance to regrow. At the same time, teams are transplanting hardier kelp varieties that can better withstand warmer water. These two approaches aim to restore balance to the ecosystem. If successful, they could help protect one of the ocean’s most important habitats from the effects of climate change.